- Aug 30, 2022

Football analytics for leagues and associations - use cases & benefits

Football data is growing everywhere

Data analytics is spreading like wildfire. As time goes by, it stops being a luxury only few could afford, and is becoming an industry standard. A key aspect of this change is the involvement of not just individual clubs or players, but of leagues and associations. This has not been a main part of the conversation so far as we hear more success stories about the more front-facing side of football - players and clubs. However, the benefits these entities can achieve from data are numerous.

This is not an empty statement. As a company with a vision of bringing the data revolution to all levels using the only fully-automated analytics solution out there today, we at Track160 are already working with many leagues and associations. We are well familiar with their needs - the national associations and federations that act as the governing bodies in their countries, and also organizations that are in charge of overseeing all the financial and commercial aspects of a league.

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For players and clubs, the advantages of acquiring data analytics are simple at their core: Data can help clubs get an edge over rivals, improve their scouting and squad management, manage overloads and prevent injuries. Players can, through data, learn their value, prove it to their teams, focus on self-improvement, and also share their big moments with friends, family, and fans on social media. Now, Let’s talk about the numerous benefits leagues and associations are achieving from adopting data analytics solutions, like the one Track160 supplies.

Why do leagues and associations need data solutions?

Associations, usually in charge of the national teams, are able to provide them with one compatible data set and implement the same data analysis structure through all age categories. The route to informed tactical decision-making and effective research and development is thus dramatically shortened.

The same applies to national academies, where young talents' progress can be monitored by data-oriented coaches. When it comes to solutions that are optical tracking based (like the one Track160 offers), another exciting benefit for associations could be monitoring the performance of referees.

Leagues can use data extensively in marketing. With the help of analytics, players’ and teams’ standout performances can be translated into numbers, stats, videos, and leaderboards which then turn into viral social media posts. Who ran the most kilometers, who scored the goal of the week, and which team won the most tackles are all great examples of how data can be used to advertise and engage.

But looking at the bigger picture, the biggest interest of leagues, mainly at the sub-elite level, is to bring the data revolution to clubs who want it. Teams might have limited resources or infrastructure issues, but leagues can easily acquire one data solution and implement it across all of their stadiums.

Where are we headed and what’s the next step in the data revolution for leagues?

Every governing or administrative body will eventually want to take care of the interests of its associated clubs, academies, and players. In that respect, whether a data solution is implemented by a league or an association, it would be able to pass it on to players - the next end-consumers of analytics. From amateurs to pros, youth to adults, every player will be happy to put his hands on his personalized videos and stats and share them with his friends, family, and fans. It might also act as a preservation mechanism for leagues and clubs that will offer this option.

While we love the success stories we hear about, of players and clubs rising to unprecedented heights, the true revolution is coming from the league level, and Track160 is delighted to be a part of this revolution.